Communications Strategist & Crisis Management Expert; Former Counselor to President George W. Bush; Author of "Ten Minutes from Normal"; Former Under Secretary of State for Public Diplomacy

Austin, TX, USA
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Karen Hughes Biography

Karen Hughes is a communications strategist with a career spanning journalism, presidential campaigns, government, and global corporate communications. Hughes began her career as a reporter in Dallas/Fort Worth, developing expertise in media and public affairs. Her political experience expanded during her time as Texas press coordinator for the Reagan-Bush campaign, followed by her role as executive director of the Texas Republican Party. Hughes later worked with George W. Bush as a communications strategist during his campaign for Texas governor and served as director of communications in his gubernatorial administration.

Hughes played a central role in shaping public policy, communications, and political strategy, contributing to the development of George W. Bush's "compassionate conservative" image. She served as counselor to President George W. Bush, leading the White House Offices of Communications, Press Secretary, Media Affairs, and Speechwriting. Hughes was the highest-ranking woman to serve in the White House at that time, working on a range of domestic and foreign policy issues.

As under secretary of state for public diplomacy and public affairs, Hughes oversaw the Department of State's bureaus of Educational and Cultural Affairs, Public Affairs, and International Information Programs. She implemented changes such as expanding English language training exchange programs, developing a strategic plan for public diplomacy, and creating a rapid response unit to address inaccurate press reports. Hughes contributed to the State Department's communications strategy and public diplomacy efforts.

Hughes is the author of "Ten Minutes from Normal," which details her experiences in the inner circle of President George W. Bush, and co-author of "A Charge to Keep." She served as worldwide vice chair of BCW, a global communications firm, where she advised organizations on crisis communications, strategic messaging, and reputation management. Her work included advising a U.S. hospital during the Ebola diagnosis, managing a major food safety recall for Blue Bell Ice Cream, developing strategy for Ford in the aftermath of the auto bailout, and guiding a Texas retailer through a data breach. She was inducted into the PR Hall of Fame for her contributions to the field.

Through her advisory firm Message Matters, Hughes provides counsel to companies and senior executives on strategic messaging, crisis communications, and executive communications. She has served on the Microsoft Advisory Council for Policy and Politics, advising on policy, public affairs, legal, and regulatory issues. Hughes' experience at the intersection of politics, media, and global communications informs her work in leadership, crisis management, and strategic messaging.

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Speaker profile last updated by AAE Talent Team on 10/09/2026.

Karen Hughes Videos

Karen Hughes Capstone Presentation - When Life Strikes the White ...

Karen Hughes Capstone Presentation - When Life Strikes the White ...

Capstone Presentation of the "When Life Strikes the White House" conference. Karen Hughes is a trusted counselor to corporate, nonprofit and ...

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Karen Hughes is a keynote speaker and industry expert who speaks on a wide range of topics. The estimated speaking fee range to book Karen Hughes for your event is available upon request. Karen Hughes generally travels from Austin, TX, USA and can be booked for (private) corporate events, personal appearances, keynote speeches, or other performances. Similar motivational celebrity speakers are Jean Chatzky, Brian Banmiller, Arielle Patrick, Liana Zavo and Rachel Wilson. Contact All American Speakers for ratings, reviews, videos and information on scheduling Karen Hughes for an upcoming live or virtual event.

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